The Anthem Companion to Harold Garfinkel

The Anthem Companion to Harold Garfinkel brings together leading scholars and upcoming researchers in contemporary ethnomethodology to explore the experimental character of Garfinkels legacy in the social sciences and beyond. It takes its cue from Garfinkels "breaching experiments" and investigates "trust conditions" in situ, asking how this research interest has been pursued and rearticulated. The Companion fills a gap in the literature by articulating ethnomethodologys experimental outlook and recasting its research directions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2023
Publisher: Anthem Press

The Anthem Companion to Harold Garfinkel is a groundbreaking collection of esteemed scholars and emerging researchers in contemporary ethnomethodology. Its primary objective is to highlight the experimental nature of Garfinkel's legacy in the social sciences and beyond. To achieve this, the Companion draws inspiration from Garfinkel's renowned "breaching experiments," which facilitate the reflexive exploration of "trust conditions" in real-time. It then poses the critical question of how this research interest has been effectively pursued and uniquely rearticulated within and beyond Garfinkel's oeuvre.

While Garfinkel's experimental legacy is widely recognized, there has yet to be a comprehensive introduction to its distinctive perspective, the intricate tensions it navigates, and the heuristic interests it encompasses. The Anthem Companion seeks to bridge this gap in the literature, thereby articulating the experimental outlook of ethnomethodology while potentially reshaping its current research directions.

In its pages, the Companion brings together a diverse range of experts who offer insightful perspectives on Garfinkel's work. The contributors explore the experimental methodologies employed by Garfinkel, his innovative approaches to data analysis, and the theoretical frameworks he developed to understand social interaction. They also examine the broader implications of Garfinkel's ideas for fields such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, and beyond.

One of the key strengths of the Companion is its ability to reflect upon the legacy of Garfinkel while also contributing to its development. The editors and contributors engage in a thoughtful dialogue, challenging and expanding upon existing interpretations of Garfinkel's work. They explore the tensions between his experimental approach and more traditional sociological methodologies, as well as the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration in the study of social life.

The Companion is organized into four distinct sections, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of Garfinkel's experimental approach. The first section, "Experimental Ethnomethodology," provides an overview of Garfinkel's theoretical framework and the key principles that guide his research. The second section, "Trust and Breaching," delves into the concept of trust and the ways in which it is established, challenged, and rebuilt in social interaction. The third section, "Ethnomethodological Practice," explores the practical applications of Garfinkel's methods and techniques in various research contexts. The fourth section, "Legacy and Controversies," examines the enduring impact of Garfinkel's work and the debates and controversies that have surrounded it.

Throughout the Companion, the authors employ a rigorous and engaging style, making complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. They use a combination of theoretical analysis, empirical examples, and case studies to illustrate their points and demonstrate the practical relevance of Garfinkel's ideas. The book also includes an extensive bibliography and a comprehensive index, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and students interested in ethnomethodology, social research, and the study of human interaction.

In conclusion, The Anthem Companion to Harold Garfinkel is a groundbreaking and essential contribution to the field of ethnomethodology. By bringing together leading scholars and emerging researchers, the Companion offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of Garfinkel's experimental legacy. Through its reflexive investigation of "trust conditions" in situ, it sheds light on the experimental nature of social research and the potential for new insights and understandings. The Companion not only fills a gap in the literature but also contributes to the ongoing development of ethnomethodology, shaping its future directions and pushing the boundaries of our knowledge of human interaction.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839982637